Castilla y Leon
Castilla y Leon sits in the north-west of Spain. It is a landlocked region and shares a border with Portugal to the west, as well as 10 other regions.
It has a population of about 2.5 million. The main cities of the region include Valladolid, with a population of 300,000. Burgos, with 180,000 people. Salamanca, which has 147,000 people. Leon with 128,000 and Palencia with 80,000.
Salamanca is renowned for its orange-tinged sandstone used in the old town, which creates a beautiful orange colour in the sunlight. The Plaza Mayor, Old Town, and Cathedral are all must-see parts of Salamanca.
Segovia is famous for its Roman ruins. The aqueduct is the most iconic image of the city. The Alcazar of Segovia is another amazing location.
The region has many amazing historical and natural attractions, and you could easily spend a very long time here. There are plenty of amazing places to eat, and prices are significantly lower than in the largest cities of Spain. You have to try roast suckling pig and lamb, which is a regional favourite.
For a more detailed look at this amazing region, read Things to Do in Castilla y Leon.
If you are planning a visit to the region, our 7 Day Itinerary for Castilla y Leon page has useful advice and suggestions to help make the most of your trip.
Towns and regions in Castilla y Leon
Astorga – offers Roman heritage, a magnificent cathedral, remarkable architecture and excellent food
Ávila – is famous for its perfectly preserved medieval walls, religious heritage and beautiful old town
Benavente – combines medieval monuments, attractive squares, excellent local cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere
Castrojeriz – charms every visitor who passes through it with cobbled streets and medieval churches
Covarrubias – offers a glimpse into Spain’s medieval past with traditional architecture, historic streets and a peaceful riverside setting
Burgos – is famed for its stunning Gothic cathedral, medieval old town, rich culinary scene, and links to El Cid’s legendary legacy
Frías – this small hilltop town offers dramatic views, historic buildings and a peaceful atmosphere
Las Médulas – a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with dramatic red cliffs, chestnut forests and scenic walking trails
Leon – is known for its striking stained-glass cathedral, lively tapas culture, Roman history, and scenic Camino de Santiago trails
Lerma – this elegant hilltop town combines grand architecture, royal history and traditional Spanish charm
Miranda de Ebro – is known for its industrial heritage, riverside parks, and lively Ebrovisión summer music festival
Palencia – offers beautiful churches, elegant plazas, peaceful parks and excellent local cuisine
Pedraza – is famous for its perfectly preserved medieval architecture, cobbled streets and impressive stone walls
Penafiel – is in the Ribera del Duero wine region, famed for its dramatic hilltop castle, historic bodegas, and excellent local wines
Ponferrada – combines a rich medieval heritage with beautiful natural scenery
Ribera del Duero – is a renowned Spanish wine region along the Duero River, celebrated for bold red wines, rolling vineyards, and historic Castilian villages
Sahagún – a rich cultural and architectural heritage shaped by Romanesque and Mudéjar styles
Salamanca – is a stunning university city famed for its golden sandstone architecture, vibrant student life, ornate Plaza Mayor, and one of Europe’s oldest universities
San Bartolomé de Pinares – is famous for its Las Luminarias festival, where horses pass through large bonfires
Santo Domingo de Silos – is best known for its magnificent Benedictine monastery and its peaceful atmosphere
Segovia – is an amazing historic city renowned for its towering Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale Alcázar castle, Gothic cathedral, and delicious roast suckling pig cuisine
Sepúlveda – is famous for its impressive Romanesque churches, ancient streets and spectacular natural scenery
Soria – combines medieval streets, Romanesque churches, peaceful parks and a rich literary heritage
Valladolid – is known for its rich royal heritage, elegant Plaza Mayor, fine museums, and renowned Ribera del Duero wine culture
Villafranca del Bierzo – blends medieval architecture, religious heritage, mountain scenery and excellent local food
Zamora – is famous for its remarkable collection of Romanesque churches, medieval streets and impressive castle
Getting to the region
If flying to Spain, your best bet is probably to fly to Madrid and use the high-speed rail to travel to the region. Buy tickets
Valladolid is about a 1 hour 10 minute high-speed rail trip from Madrid.
Salamanca is about 1 hour 40 minutes by train.
Leon is about a 2-hour 15-minute train trip from Madrid.
Segovia is between a 46 minute to 1 hour 10-minute train trip from Madrid.
If driving, Valladolid is about a 2 hour 15 minute drive from Madrid.
Salamanca is about a 2 hour 20 minute drive from Madrid.
Leon is about a 3-hour 45-minute drive.
Segovia is about a 1 hour 10 minute drive.